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Congress left until after Nov. 3 midterms with funding, NDAA and FISA 702 unresolved

The Senate cast its last pre-election vote Wednesday; the House left Sept. 16.

When they return, members face government funding that runs out Dec. 11, the defense bill, FISA Section 702 surveillance and a possible third reconciliation bill that Senate Majority Leader John Thune says may lack 50 votes.

The lame-duck deadlines:

  • Nov. 20: the administration says FISA 702 surveillance could go fully dark (Washington Examiner).
  • Dec. 11: current government funding expires; last year's shutdown lasted 43 days by Fox's calendar-day count (CRS counts 42 full days).
  • $95 billion: the House-passed blueprint for a third reconciliation bill covering military, Iran war and farm relief costs.